To add a reference for an image, particularly when using APA Style for an image found on a website, you need two main parts: the reference list entry and the in-text citation.
Referencing an Image in APA Style
According to APA style guidelines, when you cite an image found on a website, specific information is required for both the full reference entry and the in-text citation.
Creating the Reference List Entry
The full reference entry provides all the details someone would need to locate the original image. For an image found on a website, the APA style dictates a specific format:
- Start with the creator's name (often the photographer), if known.
- Include the year the image was created or published.
- Write the image title in italics. If the image doesn't have a formal title, you might provide a brief description.
- Follow the title immediately with a description of the image's format in square brackets, such as
[Photograph],[Illustration], or[Map]. - Include the name of the website or source where the image was found.
- Finish with the direct URL where the image can be accessed.
Here's a breakdown of the components:
- Creator, A. A. (Year).
- Title of image.
- [Format description].
- On Website Name.
- URL.
Let's look at the structure using a simple table:
| Component | Formatting | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Creator, A. A. (Year) | Author/Creator, Initial(s). (Year) | Smith, J. (2022). |
| Title of image. | Italicized Title | Sunset over the mountains. |
| [Format description] | Bracketed description | [Photograph] |
| On Website Name | Name of the hosting website | On Pexels. |
| URL | Full URL to the image page | https://www.pexels.com/photo/example-url... |
Example Reference List Entry:
Smith, J. (2022). Sunset over the mountains. [Photograph]. On Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/example-url-of-image
Creating the In-text Citation
The in-text citation is a shorter reference that appears within the body of your text, typically where you discuss or display the image. For an image citation in APA style, this is quite simple:
- Include the photographer's or creator's name.
- Include the year the image was created or published.
The in-text citation just includes the photographer's name and the year.
Example In-text Citation:
(Smith, 2022)
If you mention the creator in your sentence, you would only need the year in parentheses:
Smith (2022) captured a stunning sunset...
Remember to ensure that the creator's name and year in your in-text citation match the corresponding entry in your full reference list at the end of your document. Always strive to find and include the original creator and date information if available.
